Theology

Habāʾ (هباء‎) in Islamic Mysticism
Explore the term 'Habāʾ,' its meanings both in the physical and metaphysical sense, and its significance in Sufi mysticism. Understand how the concept of Habāʾ reflects the relationship between creation and the Divine.
Music in Islam: Definition, Etymology, and Divergent Views
Explore the concept of music (mūsīqā) in Islamic traditions, including its etymology, historical perspectives, and theological debates. Understand the varying views among Islamic scholars regarding music.
AL-WĀJID (الواجد‎)
Delve into the meaning of AL-WĀJID (الواجد‎), one of the ninety-nine attributes of Allah. Discover its etymology, significance, and contextual usage within Islamic thought.
Al-‘Aql
Intelligence, intellect, and reason within Islamic theology and philosophy
Al-Ḥaiy (الحى‎)
Explore the Islamic concept of Al-Ḥaiy, meaning 'The Living One.' Delve into its etymology, occurrence in the Qur'an, and its theological implications as one of the ninety-nine attributes of God.
Al-Ḥamīd (الحميد‎) - Significance, Etymology, and Context in Islam
Explore the term 'Al-Ḥamīd,' one of the ninety-nine attributes of God in Islam. Understand its meaning, significance, etymology, and Qur'anic usage. Learn why God is described as 'The Laudable' and worthy of praise.
Al-Kāfī (الكافى‎)
Discover the concept of 'Al-Kāfī,' one of the divine attributes of God in Islam, its Qur'anic references, etymology, and significance.
Al-Karīm (الكريم‎)
Explore the meaning and significance of 'Al-Karīm,' one of the ninety-nine attributes of God in Islam. Understand the concept of divine generosity and its impact on Muslim theology and everyday life.
al-Rahim
The Merciful One, one of the ninety-nine names of God in Islam signifying the permanence of divine mercy.
AL-ʿAZ̤ĪM (العظيم‎)
Explore the name AL-ʿAZ̤ĪM (العظيم‎), one of the ninety-nine names of God in Islam, understanding its meaning, significance, and usage in daily Islamic prayers and practices.
Alam
In Islam, the term 'Alam' refers to the worlds or realms mentioned in the Qur'an, which include the realms inhabited by humans, jinn, and angels.
Allah
The Supreme Being in Islam, worshipped by Muslims, Christians, and Jews; the Creator, Sustainer, and Ruler of the universe as revealed in the Quran.
An-Nājiyah
Explore the term 'An-Nājiyah,' its meaning, and significance within Islamic theology. Delve into how different Islamic sects have historically perceived themselves as 'The Saved' group.
AR-RADD (الرد‎)
Understand the term AR-RADD (الرد‎), its implications in Islamic law, and its various contexts including inheritance and theological significance.
Ar-Raḥmān (الرحمان‎)
Explore the meaning and significance of 'Ar-Raḥmān,' one of the ninety-nine names of God in Islam. Understand its occurrence in the Qur'an, its etymology, and its theological implications.
Cosmology in Islam
Cosmology refers to the study of the cosmos, deeply intertwined with the Quranic conception of God as the creator and ruler. It extends to both the physical and nonphysical worlds, contributing to various natural and mathematical sciences in Islam.
Covenant (Mīs̤āq)
Learn about the term 'Covenant' (Mīs̤āq) in the Qur'an and Islamic Traditions, its implications, and significance in the Islamic faith. Understand how it shapes the relationship between God and His people.
Din
Way of life for which humans will be held accountable and recompensed accordingly on the Day of Judgment. Encompasses beliefs, thought, character, behavior, and deeds in Islam.
Existences (Wujūd) - Definition, Etymology, and Classification in Islamic Philosophy
Explore the term 'Wujūd,' its philosophical implications, and its classification within Islamic thought. Understand how different types of existences are perceived within Islamic theology and philosophy.
Faqīh (فقيه‎)
Understand the role and significance of a Faqīh, a Muḥammadan lawyer or theologian, within the Islamic legal and theological framework.
Fate (Predestination)
Explore the concept of Fate (Predestination) in Islam, its theological implications, and how it shapes the worldview of Muslims.
Fitra
According to the Quran, the original state in which humans are created by God.
Grave, The Punishments of the (ʿAzab al-Qabr)
Explore the Islamic concept of ʿAzab al-Qabr, or the Punishments of the Grave. Understand its theological foundations, implications, and significance in a Muslim's belief system. Learn how it shapes Muslim practices and perspectives on the afterlife.
Ḥanīf
Explore the term 'Ḥanīf,' a significant concept in Islam that refers to the pure monotheistic faith of Abraham, devoid of idolatry. Understand its scriptural references and theological implications.
Hasan al-Basri
Major religious figure of the Umayyad period known for his influential theological writings, asceticism, and sermons
Heaven (Samāʾ)
Explore the concept of Heaven in Islam, including its etymology, references in the Qur'an, theological interpretations, and cultural significance. Understand the seven stages of heaven as described in Islamic traditions and their comparison with other religious views.
Hukm
In Islamic terms, hukm denotes arbitration, judgment, authority, and God's will, with evolving meanings/
Immaculate Conception - Definition, Etymology, and Significance
Explore the doctrine of the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary, its assertion in Islamic tradition, and its development within the Christian context.
Incarnation
The notion that the divine spirit can enter into a human being, fusing the identity of divine and human—a concept consistently rejected by Muslim thinkers.
Insha Allah
A common Islamic phrase meaning 'If God wills,' expressing reliance on God's will and sovereignty over future events.
Intercession
Request for assistance from a spiritual intermediary in seeking divine help
Islām (إسلام)
Explore the term 'Islām,' its deep meaning, etymology, and significance within the Islamic faith. Understand the core duties, beliefs, and the distinctions between related terms like Dīn, Millah, and Maẕhab.
Jahiliyyah
Pre-Islamic period, or 'ignorance' of monotheism and divine law
Judaism and Islam
Exploration of the historical, theological, and cultural relationships between Judaism and Islam.
Kafir
A term used in Islam to denote an unbeliever, particularly one who actively rejects divine revelation.
K͟HĀTIMU ʾN-NABĪYĪN (خـاتـم النبيين‎)
Discover the concept of 'K͟HĀTIMU ʾN-NABĪYĪN,' its mention in the Qur'an, and its theological implications in Islam. Learn about the declaration of Prophet Muhammad as the last of the prophets.
Kufr
Disbelief and ingratitude as significant concepts in Islamic thought.
Lawh Mahfuz
The concept of the Well-preserved Tablet in Islam, which refers to the original heavenly inscription of the Qur'an.
Lord's Supper (Eucharist) - Definition, Significance, and Cultural Context
Learn about the term 'Lord's Supper,' also known as the 'Eucharist.' Understand its significance in Christianity, its historical development, and its theological implications.
Love
Explore the concept of 'Love' in the Qur'an and Islamic literature, including its various terms, theological implications, and differentiations between animal and spiritual love.
Mahdi, Sadiq al-
Sudanese theologian and political leader known for his modernist approach to Islamic law and governance.
Mihna
Definition and historical context of the Mihna Inquisition instituted by Abbasid Caliph al-Mamun.
Mīkā'īl (ميكائيل‎)
Explore the role and significance of Mīkā'īl (ميكائيل‎) in Islamic tradition. Understand how the archangel Michael is perceived in Islamic theology and his contributions according to Quranic verses and Hadith.
Mulḥaq in Sufism
Explore the term 'Mulḥaq,' its etymology, and its profound significance in Sufism, particularly in describing the esoteric connection between the human soul and the divine essence.
Munāẓarah
A form of public debate in classical Islam characterized by questions and answers, originally theological, later extended to other fields.
Names of God
The attributes and names of God in Islam, as encouraged and described by the Quran and traditions.
Nur
Light, one of the names of God in the Quran, signifying divine guidance
Prayers for the Dead
Explore the concept of prayers for the dead in Islam, based on the teachings of Prophet Muhammad. Understand their significance, traditions, and the theological basis for these practices.
Prophethood
The role and significance of prophethood in Islam, encompassing divine communication and moral guidance for humankind.
Punishments of the Grave [ʿAdhābu 'l-Qabr] - Definition, Significance and Perspectives in Islam
An in-depth exploration of the concept of 'ʿAdhābu 'l-Qabr' (Punishments of the Grave) in Islam, its theological underpinnings, descriptions, and its impact on Muslim beliefs and practices.
RAJĪM
Discover the term 'Rajīm,' its etymology, historical background, and importance in Islamic theology and religious practices.
Repentance
An exploration of the concept of repentance in Islam, its theological foundations, and its implications for individual and social behavior.
Risalah
A literary and scholarly form found in various fields including theology, law, and literature, often used to convey messages, letters, essays, or treatises.
S̤awāb (ثواب‎)
Explore the concept of 'S̤awāb' in Islamic tradition, understand its etymology, and its importance in the daily life of Muslims. Discover how actions are rewarded and the spiritual significance of S̤awāb.
Sayf al-Din al-Amidi
Influential Shafi'i jurist who integrated theology with jurisprudential methods
Shafii, Muhammad ibn Idris
Jurist, theologian, and founder of the Shafii school of Islamic law; key figure in the systematization of Islamic jurisprudence.
Shirazi, Sadr al-Din al-
Iranian philosopher and theologian who merged diverse philosophical and theological traditions to create a new synthesis of Islamic thought.
Sin (Arabic: Zamb)
Explore the concept of sin in Islam, the classification of sins into Kabīrah and Ṣag͟hīrah, and the major sins outlined by Islamic tradition.
ṢIRĀT̤ (صراط‎)
Explore the concept of Ṣirāṭ̤ (صراط‎) in Islamic tradition, its appearances in the Qurʾān, and its religious and cultural implications as both the 'right path' and the bridge across infernal fire.
The Cross (Arabic: Aṣ-Ṣalīb) - Denial of Crucifixion in Islam
Explore the term 'The Cross' (Aṣ-Ṣalīb in Arabic) in Islamic context. Understand the Qur'anic stance on the crucifixion of Jesus, related narrations, and legal implications within Islamic jurisprudence.
Wahdat al-Shuhud
Oneness of appearance, an Islamic mystical doctrine distinguishing from the Oneness of Being (Wahdat al-Wujud), primarily propagated by Indian Sufi Ahmad al-Sirhindi.
YAUMU ʾL-K͟HURŪJ (يوم الخروج) - Etymology, Quranic Significance, and Eschatological Meaning
Explore the term 'YAUMU ʾL-K͟HURŪJ' from its etymology to its Quranic significance and eschatological interpretation in Islam. Understand the implications of 'The Day of Exodus' and its meaning in the context of the Day of Judgment.
ʿArsh (عرش‎)
Learn about the term 'ʿArsh,' its relevance, and usage in the Qur'anic context along with scholarly interpretations. Understand the theological implications and how it relates to Islamic cosmology.
Zaqqūm
Explore the term 'Zaqqūm,' its depiction in the Qur'ān, and its symbolic significance in the context of Islamic teachings. Understand the theological perspectives and real-world analogs associated with this infernal tree.
Ethics
The study and understanding of moral principles and values within the framework of Islamic theology and philosophy.
ḤUJJATU ʾL-ḤAQQI ʿALA ʾL-K͟HALQ (حجة الحق على الخلق) in Sufism
Explore the term 'ḤUJJATU ʾL-ḤAQQI ʿALA ʾL-K͟HALQ,' its origins, and its importance in Sufi mysticism. Understand the concept of the 'perfect man' in Islamic thought.
The Fifth Period – Analysis of Thirty-one Sūrahs
An analysis of the Thirty-one Sūrahs revealed during the fifth period of Muḥammad's ministry. These Sūrahs cover various theological themes, narratives from the Gospel, pilgrimage rites, and vivid descriptions of the Resurrection and Judgment.
Ṣūfīism
Explore the profound mystical tradition of Ṣūfīism within Islam, its doctrinal roots, philosophical implications, and cultural impact. Learn about key figures, practices, and literary contributions that have shaped Ṣūfī thought.
Sexuality in Islam
The concept of human sexuality within the Islamic tradition, its expressions, regulations, and theological underpinnings.
Sin in Islam (ذنب / Günah)
A breach of the laws and norms set forth by Islam, categorized into major and minor with the most severe being shirk.
IẔN (اذن‎)
Learn about the term 'IẔN (اذن‎),' its implications, and usage in an Islamic context. Understand the significance of permission and intercession within Islamic theology and daily practices.
Trinity in Islam and Christianity - Definition, Etymology, and Significance
Explores the concept of the Trinity in Islamic and Christian theology, highlighting its references in the Qur'an and contrasting Islamic perspectives with Christian doctrine.
Rūḥu l-Qudus (روح القدس)
Explore the meaning and significance of Rūḥu l-Qudus (روح القدس‎) within Islamic theology, its occurrences in the Qur'an, and interpretations by scholars.
K͟HUDĀWAND (خداوند‎) in Islam and Persian Culture
Explore the term 'K͟HUDĀWAND,' its meanings, etymology, and significance in both Islamic and Persian contexts. Understand how this title is utilized and its importance in religious and cultural practices.
Martyr
Explore the concept of Martyr (Shāhid) in Islam, its description in the Qur’ān, and the different categories and implications of martyrdom in Islamic theology and law.
The Trinity in Islamic Context - Scriptural Critique and Historical Insights
Explore the Islamic perspective on the Christian concept of the Trinity, through Qur'anic references, historical insights, and commentaries by prominent Islamic scholars.
MĪZĀN (مـيـزان‎)
Understand the concept of Mīzān in Islam which signifies the balance or scales to weigh human deeds on the Day of Judgment according to Islamic teachings. Explore its etymology, historical background, theological implications, and comparative perspectives.
ʿIlmu ʾl-Ilāhīyāt (علم الالهيات‎)
Explore 'ʿIlmu ʾl-Ilāhīyāt,' its meaning, significance, and application within Islamic thought. Understand the role of theology in the Islamic intellectual tradition and its contributions to broader Muslim scholarship.
Al-ʿAzīz (العزيز‎)
Explore the term 'Al-ʿAzīz,' one of the ninety-nine names of God in Islam, its implications, and its frequent occurrence in the Qurʾān, meaning 'the powerful' or 'the mighty One.'
DĀRU ʾS̤-S̤AWĀB (دار الثواب‎)
Explore the term 'DĀRU ʾS̤-S̤AWĀB,' its etymology, and its significance in Islamic theology. Understand the concept of 'the house of recompense' and its relation to Jannatu ʿAdn as described by commentator al-Baiẓāwī.
Asmāʾu Allāh (آسماء الله‎)
Explore the concept of Asmāʾu Allāh (The Names of God) in Islam, understand their meanings, and their importance in Islamic theology and practice.
Ḥanīf
Explore the term 'Ḥanīf,' its etymology, and significance in the Islamic faith. Learn how this concept is portrayed in the Qur'an and its importance in Islamic theology and practice.
Irtidād (ارتداد‎)
Understand the concept of 'Irtidād (ارتداد‎)' or apostasy in Islam. Explore its theological implications, legal rulings, and cultural significance within the Muslim community.
Ismāʿīlīyah
Explore the Ismāʿīlīyah sect, its beliefs surrounding the true Imām, and its unique theological positions. Understand its historical development and significance within Shīʿah Islam.
Kafūr (كفور)
Discover the meaning of the term 'Kafūr,' its etymology, significance in the Qurʾān, and implications in Islamic teachings. Learn why ungratefulness is condemned in Islam.
Rūyāʾ
Explore the term 'Rūyāʾ (روياء‎),' its occurrences in the Qurʾān, and its significance in the Islamic tradition. Understand the role of dreams and visions in the lives of the Prophets and their theological implications.
ʿIllīyūn (عليون‎)
Explore the term 'ʿIllīyūn,' its etymology, and its comprehensive significance in Islamic theology. Understand its place in the concepts of the afterlife and documentation of righteous deeds according to Islamic teachings.
Kalimatu ʾL-Ḥaẓrah (كلمة الحضرة‎)
Explore the concept of 'Kalimatu ʾL-Ḥaẓrah,' its etymology and significance within the Islamic tradition. Understand its usage in the Qur’anic context and its theological implications.
Sukr (سكر‎) - Understanding Drunkenness in Islam
Explore the term 'Sukr' (سكر‎) in Islamic context, its etymology, religious implications, and how it is addressed in Islamic law and theology.
Singing (Ghināʾ)
Explore the complexities of singing (ghināʾ) in Islamic tradition, its legal rulings, theological debates, and cultural practices. Understand the historical and contemporary perspectives on singing within the Muslim world.
Al-Wahhāb (الوهاب‎)
Explore the attribute Al-Wahhāb, its meaning, occurrence in the Qur'an, and its significance in Islamic theology. Understand how this Divine Name reflects God's generosity and beneficence.
AZ̤-Z̤ILLU ʾL-AUWAL (الظل الاول‎) in Sufism
Discover the meaning and significance of the term 'AZ̤-Z̤ILLU ʾL-AUWAL' in Sufism. Understand its relation to al-ʿAqlu ʾl-Auwal and its importance in Islamic mysticism.
Idolatry (Shirk)
Explore the concept of idolatry, known as shirk in Islam. Understand its theological implications, scriptural basis, and its evolution within Islamic history.
Was̤an (وثن‎)
Explore the term 'Was̤an (وثن‎),' its definition, etymology, and the significance of idolatry in the Islamic context. Understand how idolatry is viewed in Islamic theology and law.
Dictionary of Islam - Preface and Introduction
Introduction to the 'Dictionary of Islam,' detailing its purpose, scope, and methodology. Learn about the compilation, scholarly sources, and foundational principles guiding this work on Islamic doctrines and practices.
Jalāl (جلال‎): Definition, Etymology, and Significance in Islam
Delve into the term 'Jalāl,' understand its usage and implications in Islamic context. Explore its theological significance, especially in Ṣūfī mysticism and its recognition of God's transcendental and majestic attributes.
Al-Ḥamd (الحمد‎)
Explore the term 'Al-Ḥamd,' its linguistic roots, and multifaceted significance in Islamic context. Understand the three types of praise according to Islamic theology.

Dictionary of Islam

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